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Excellent Re-Release

Stephen D. Mackellar | Wisconsin | 02/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have the original 1985 U.S. release of this title--Chrysalis (Start Records, Ltd.)--purchased when I was 17 years old after I saw his televised performance on PBS. This CD marked my second exposure to the Trio, both of which compelled me to collect LP and CD copies of the early Decca releases (original Trio disbanded 1973) and all of the more recent CDs. Of all, I feel that this is the best introduction to his body of work.

Contrary to the "official" Amazon review, this is not a mere compilation of older performances and recordings. This is no 'best of . . .' rehash for quick record company profits. Rather, these are fresh takes on material the original Trio performed, and the first this current trio recorded together. Comparing these to the earlier period, this December 1984 performance finds the playing not only technically superior, but also more rich, dynamic, and mature in feeling. Nowhere is this more evident than in Toccata and Fugue in D Minor and the two Concertos, where quiet passages are played with delicacy and respect, and strong ones played with pure thunder.

I prefer this 'middle period trio' to the more invasive and experimental explorations (sometimes verging on garish) of the early trio, and again prefer it to the later trio (same personnel), where the jazz explorations and improvisations have taken the backseat, becoming mere stylings at times.

The flaws (though not catastrophic by any means) lie in the engineering and recording: too much long delay reverb, and the shimmer of the cymbals and triangle are lessened by the early 16-bit digital recording. Four of five stars here.

The CD's high points (for me):

"Toccata & Fugue": like I said, delicacy, intensity, and thunder!

"Chorale: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" begins with a wonderful counterpoint between piano and bass.

"Italian Concerto": Listen for the swing stylings in the Allegro. In the Adagio, from about two minutes in to the final thematic statement, Loussier maintains the statement of the melody progression with his left hand and uses his right for free impovistation inside it--Modern Jazz heaven! Same goes for the Presto, though now it feels like a all-out blowing session.

"D Minor Concerto": In the improvisation passages, I'm reminded of Bill Evans Trio. Arpino's mastery, though evident throughout, is showcased here in the Allegro risoluto. After listening to this closely, re-listen to the entire album again and focus in on his usage of cymbals and the triangle (and also his spare usage of the skins). Arpino's interpretations place him in high company--with great drummers such as Gene Krupa, Shelley Manne, and Joe Morello--all of whom show the rare ability reach beyond the beat, get out of the rhythm section and interpret the melody. Nice little splash of the keys by Loussier at the end."